Registration for Luxury Travel Expo opened on May 21. Within the first week, we had 500 travel agents register. This is not merely a testament to the success of the show; it is a testament to the power of live events. In a society that is so heavily reliant on technology and the virtual world, there is nothing that will replace the value of relationships and networking.
We work in an industry that has many of us flying from city to city, country to country or from continent to continent. No matter the goal of the trip, one thing will remain constant: a relationship will be established, maintained or enhanced. I was in Miami a couple of weeks ago and I met with several suppliers in the industry. I heard about trips to five continents. The goal of each trip was to reach you, the travel professional. You are very valuable to industry suppliers, so I encourage you to further develop the relationships you already have and make new ones that will help enhance your business.
Luxury Travel Expo provides you a vehicle to do this. While it may be difficult to personally experience all that the 500-plus exhibitors have to offer, the next best thing is to meet the representatives who will be available to you in one room over the course of two days on December 3 and 4. In addition to the plethora of exhibitors on the show floor, you will be able to experience live education from top industry leaders.
I am happy to report that Susan Young, who is a frequent contributor to Travel Agent and a 20-year travel industry veteran, will be taking charge of Luxury Travel Expo’s conference program this year. Susan is a veteran of 60-plus cruises, which have transported her from the Panama Canal to Egypt, from Alaska to the Baltic. Susan’s extensive travel expertise and experiences will surely contribute to the success and creativity of this year’s conference program.
We are working on developing educational seminars that address the issues and subject matters which are most relevant to you and your business. The Luxury Travel Expo Advisory Board will also be meeting in June to help us formulate a stellar program. You can be assured that you will have access to the industry’s most knowledgeable and reputable leaders in December. Stay tuned as the details of the conference program are unveiled. In the meantime, I encourage you to register for the show so you can be eligible for a 10th Anniversary prize giveaway program.
This year we want to help you personally experience the offerings of our exhibitors. Part of Luxury Travel Expo’s 10th Anniversary celebration will include a prize giveaway donated by an exhibitor each week registration is open. The winner of our first giveaway, a four-night complimentary stay at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay, is Doris Kwek of Indian River Travel in Vero Beach, FL.
Relationships and experiences are what make this business what it is today. Register today for Luxury Travel Expo to help enhance both.
The early-bird registration fee of $45 is valid until July 15. Please visit www.luxurytravelexpo.com to register.